Assam: HC directs medical termination of pregnancy of 14-year-old rape survivor

Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has directed the medical termination of the pregnancy of a 14-year-old rape survivor from Tinsukia district of Upper Assam.

The decision was taken as a suo motu response to a news report.

The minor, referred to as ‘X’ to protect her identity, faced substantial risks to her health and well-being due to the unwanted pregnancy.


Justice Kalyan Rai Surana and Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund directed the District Medical Board of Tinsukia, in coordination with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), to form a team of medical experts to perform the procedure.

The Medical Board was tasked to examine whether adequate facilities were available in Tinsukia’s government or private hospitals. If not, the state was ordered to arrange the victim's transfer to Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital, with transportation and expenses fully covered. The state will bear all medical and logistical expenses, including post-procedure care and any additional healthcare needs.
The court mandated counselling for the victim, both pre-and post-procedure, to ensure her mental well-being during the process.

The court ordered the termination was in the “best interest” of the minor, considering her age, the length of the pregnancy, and associated health risks. In view of the minority of the victim, there is an apprehension that the unwanted pregnancy could lead to a substantial risk to the life of the victim, as well as the unborn foetus.

The clinical report from the Medical Board, submitted on December 7, will be reviewed further.

The case has been scheduled for a follow-up hearing on December 19 to ensure compliance and continued care for the victim.